Why an operation?

The menisci are poorly vascularized and do not heal well. An unstable lesion does not heal spontaneously and a small lesion can initially be treated medically. Surgery will be proposed in the case of unstable symptomatic meniscal damage or stable meniscal damage that is not relieved by medical treatment. The objective of the operation is to relieve the pain, locking and swelling, and enable a return to normal walking and activities.


What is meniscal surgery?

Meniscal surgery is performed arthroscopically, without opening the joint. Arthroscopy consists in making two small 5-mm incisions in the front of the knee. An arthroscope, or small camera, is inserted through one of the incisions to view the joint, and in particular the damaged meniscus. Small instruments are inserted through the other incision to carry out the surgery. Two procedures can be envisaged according to the damage; we will try to be as conservative as possible, that is, retain as much of the meniscus as possible.

Cartilage damage can be treated at the same time according to its nature.
Whichever procedure is performed, the operation lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes and is carried out as a day case: you are admitted in the morning and discharged in the evening.
The operation is carried out under regional or general anaesthesia. Your anaesthesiologist will decide with you the best type of anaesthesia according to your state of health.
After the operation, the incisions are covered with a sterile dressing, which is left in place for 10 days. The pain will be managed and monitored very closely during the post-operative period, and the treatment will be adjusted accordingly.


Post-operative rehabilitation and return to activities

The post-operative procedures vary according to the operation:

  • In the case of meniscal suture, you will have crutches to help you move around for 4 weeks so as not to put too much weight on the knee. You will begin rehabilitation with your physiotherapist after the operation; the objective is to maintain knee flexibility and muscle mass. Driving as well as returning to work can be envisaged after the 1st month, depending on your profession; office work can be sooner. You can generally resume sports activities after the 3rd month.
  • In the case of a meniscectomy, you can start walking as soon you leave hospital in the evening, and as the days go by you will start to walk normally. However, movement should be restricted over the first 10 days to prevent the knee from swelling. After the first week, you can begin rehabilitation with your physiotherapist, which consists in recovering knee flexibility and thigh muscle strength. Driving can be envisaged from the 5th day. You should be able to return to work after the 15th day, depending on your profession; office work can be sooner. You can generally resume sports activities between the 2nd and 3rd month.

What are the risks and complications?

In addition to the risks associated with any surgery and the anaesthetic, there are some risks specific to this surgery:

  • Joint stiffness can develop if the post-operative rehabilitation is not carried out properly.
  • Exacerbated inflammatory reactions which sometimes correspond to algodystrophy. However, new treatments exist that can help manage this rare complication more easily.
  • A haematoma may appear around the area operated on due to bleeding. According to the extent of the bleeding, drainage may be necessary.
  • An infection may occur but remains rare as the surgical procedure is performed arthroscopically. This known complication requires a knee lavage, a course of antibiotics and possibly surgical revision.
  • Small blood clots can form and block the veins in the legs resulting in phlebitis, which will require an anti-coagulant treatment for several weeks.

This list of risks is not exhaustive. Your surgeon can provide you with any additional explanations and will be available to discuss the advantages, disadvantages and risks of each specific case with you.


What is the expected outcome of the operation?

Whichever procedure is performed, the locking, swelling and feeling of instability will disappear rapidly after the operation.
The effect on the pain may depend on the existence of underlying cartilage damage. An additional medical treatment may be required.
Complete recovery of mobility and muscle strength general takes about 2 to 3 months.
After a meniscectomy, osteoarthritis can develop in the long-term according to the extent of the initial meniscal damage.
Regarding meniscal suturing, healing is not always obtained. The discomfort can thus reappear and require another arthroscopy to resect the unhealed part of the meniscus.
The results are however encouraging as the chances of healing are around 60 % for a medial meniscus and 75 % for a lateral meniscus.